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Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has welcomed the completion of the Period Products (Free Provision) Bill as it passed its final stage in the Assembly today.
The Bill gives powers to bring Regulations for public service bodies, who have a duty to ensure period products are widely obtainable free of charge in their premises. These regulations must include Health and Social Care Trusts; and any public service body whose premises is a school, a further education institution or a higher education institution.
Speaking on the bill the Minister said: “Today, this Bill has reached an important milestone, completing its legislative passage through the Assembly. This is an important piece of legislation that will provide the basis for introducing vital support to tackle issues around period dignity. I am delighted that I have been able to lead as an Executive Minister on this important issue.
“I believe this is a matter of basic dignity and no-one should be prevented from going to school, college or work because they cannot access period products when they need them.”
Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said “This legislation has the ability to make a real difference to people across the North. Nobody should struggle to access these products, or feel ashamed because they cannot afford them. The spirit of the NHS is that healthcare should be free at the point of access and so should these products."
He added "This important legislation will tackle poverty by providing universal accessibility of period products, it will protect and foster the dignity of girls and women, it will de-stigmatize periods."
The Bill will now go forward for Royal Assent and will become an Act in law in the coming months.
